"Real Madrid have a determined manager with a contract and this deserves respect. As a manager, you always have your sweetheart. I have a link with the fans and they have treated me well.

"I arrived at [Real] Madrid when I was 13-years-old and I'm from Madrid. But I don’t want to get involved in this speculation because my words aren't always interpreted."

The 52-year-old also refused to rule out coaching the Spanish national team in years to come, but knows he will have to impress if he is to land such a role.

He added: "I can't rule out one day becoming national coach when Vicente [del Bosque] leaves. It's something I will look at in the future, although for this I have to continue in elite football and keep doing things well."